William L. Schrader

William Lee Schrader, 86, of Howard died December 23, 2019 in his home in Howard. He was born October 18, 1933 in the Red Cross Hospital in Salida, to William Earnest Schrader and Helen Wynn Schrader (Fuller). William had one brother Fredrick Francis Schrader who was 13 years older. Brother Fred joined the Army air force in 1941, and served until 1944, when he returned to Salida to work with his father at the “Schrader Welding Shop”. Bill’s family lived intheir home at 1110 F Street in Salida for many years, and in 1942 Bill’s father purchased the “summer” place in Howard. Bill spent many summers working and playing at the “ranch” in Howard. After graduating from Salida High School in 1952, Bill attended University of Colorado at Boulder, then was drafted into the army during the Korean War. While home on leave he dated Carolee Mae Ulrich, and they were married a short time after. They drove to Fort Benning, Georgia where Bill was stationed and three months later returned to Colorado to attend college at University of Colorado and Colorado State University when he left the Army. Job prospects in Idaho were exciting with the Nuclear Reactor near Idaho Falls, and he relocated there in 1960 with Carolee and their three children William Cecil, Cinde Mae, and Norman Lee. Bill earned his Bachelor of Science, Physics, and Mathematics in 1960 from Colorado State University, and his Master of Science, Physics and Nuclear Science in 1969 from the University of Idaho. Ultimately Bill’s profession led him to Oklahoma City and Kerr McGee. He returned to Howard shortly after both parents passed away, then worked in Denver at Stone and Webster and Raytheon Engineers until his retirement in 1995. Bill loved fishing and backpacking in the wilderness of Idaho, and he was very active in both Boy and Girl Scouting while in Idaho and Oklahoma. He became interested in the history of the area and was president of the Western Fremont Historical Society, served in the Cemetery Association, and was a Life Member of Salida Museum Association, Fremont County Historical Society, and Western Fremont County Historical Society. Bill was a member of the American Nuclear Society for over 25 years. Both Bill and his wife Carolee were instrumental in acquiring and installing the “Pathways into History” signs along the Arkansas River corridor. Bill loved working with metal and wood and hoped one day to restore the 1937 Oldsmobile that he and Carolee drove to Georgia back in 1955. Bill is survived by his sons William Cecil (Lynn) Schrader of Nampa, Idaho and Norman Lee (Sandra) Schrader of CanonCity, Colorado; Cinde Mae (Logan) McPhail of Howard, Colorado; sister in law Wanda (Jim) Treat of Salida, Colorado, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, both parents, and brother. Memorial contributions can be made to the Western Fremont County Historical Society and American Legion through Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home. Memorial Services are set for 11:00 AM Saturday January 4, 2020 at Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home. On line condolences may be sent to the family at lewisandglenn.com.

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